DOJ charges ship operators over Baltimore bridge disaster and river pollution

The Department of Justice charged Synergy Marine Pte Ltd, Synergy Maritime Pte Ltd, and a technical superintendent with 18 counts including conspiracy, misconduct or neglect of ship officers resulting in death, obstruction, false statements, and environmental violations tied to the cargo ship Dali that struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March 2024, causing its collapse, six worker deaths, and pollution in the Patapsco River; prosecutors allege failures to report hazardous conditions and other misconduct contributing to the disaster, with damages estimated at over $5 billion.